26 April 2006

Each week the lovetennis team will choose the player who has made an impact of the tour in the last 7 days. Whether through winning a tournament, knocking out a top seed or just by playing some outstanding tennis.

For the first ever 'lovetennis Player of the week' we have choosen to honour Italian No.1 Francesca Schiavone!!

Born in Milan, resident in London - Schiavone has been a tour pro since 1998 and currently is at a career high of 11 in the new WTA rankings. Finalist in Amelia Island and Sydney this year, but yet to win her first WTA singles title. Francesca has earned our title of 'Player of the Week' due to her awesome win over world No.1 Amelie Mauresmo, in their 1st round Fed Cup tie played on French soil at the weekend. Schiavone has all the talent to break into the top 10 and with the added confidence that this win will give her, I think it will happen sooner rather than later.

Over the course of the last year, Schiavone has gained many fans world-wide due to her talent, humour and great personality! Friendly and popular amongst the other WTA players, Francesca is never afraid to show emotion and spirit on court, whether she wins or loses. It is incredibly refreshing to have such an interesting and lovable character on the tour - compared with some of the cloned, emotionless girls that play the circuit. In a world were being tall, blonde and having an 'ova' at the end of your name means big money and plenty of sponsors - give me Schiavone anytime!